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Nov 14, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Biology Major, B.S.
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About the Program
The Department of Biology degree program provides students with the conceptual framework to examine living organisms from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. Students in both the Biology Major, B.A. and Biology Major, B.S. gain comprehensive knowledge of biological principles as well as the analytical skills and laboratory and field-based scientific training necessary to pursue graduate studies, conduct contemporary biological research, or directly enter the workforce. These majors allow students the flexibility to tailor their coursework toward a particular discipline of interest. The difference between the majors is in the required number of upper division biology and non-biology STEM courses. Students should consult with a faculty advisor for degree planning towards field-specific career or post-baccalaureate goals.
Student Outcomes
- I.1. Biology graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the principles of cell biology.
- I.2. Biology graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the principles of Molecular Biology & Genetics.
- I.3. Biology graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the principles of Organismal Biology.
- I.4 Biology graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the principles of Population Biology, Evolution, and Ecology.
- II.1. Biology graduates will demonstrate proper use and understanding of a broad range of biological techniques.
- II.2. Biology graduates will use knowledge and observations to formulate hypotheses, identify relevant variables and design experiments to test hypotheses.
- III.1. Biology graduates will demonstrate the ability to locate and critically analyze sources of biological information.
- III.2. Biology graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate concepts in biology using the vocabulary of the discipline.
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General Degree Requirements
To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.
Program Requirements
- A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
- A grade of “C-“ or better is required for each BIO prefix course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
General Studies Requirements: 33 credits
Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion. - Written Communication (6 credits)
- Oral Communication (3 credits)
- Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
- Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
- Historical (3 credits)
- Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)
** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. Biology Major Required Courses: 19-20 credits
Biology Elective Requirement: 26-27 credits
- BIO courses selected from the 2000-, 3000-, and 4000-level series, and approved by faculty advisors in the Biology Department, must be completed to bring the total of biology courses approved for the major to 46 semester hours.
Upper division course requirement
At least 27 semester hours of the major (including General Genetics and General Ecology) must be 3000- and 4000-level BIO courses approved by the Biology Department faculty. Required Non-Biology Courses: 26-27 credits
Required Chemistry Courses: 10 credits
All students must complete one of the following course sequences. CHE 1100 and CHE 1150 or CHE 1800 and CHE 1801 courses may also count toward the Natural and Physical Science General Studies requirements. Required Mathematics Courses: 7-8 credits
All students must complete two semesters of Mathematics starting with MTH 1109, MTH 1110, or above. The Math courses may also count toward the Quantitative Literacy General Studies requirements. Required Non-Biology Science Electives: 9 credits
Choose 9 additional credits from the following list of courses. At least 6 credits must be upper division (3000- or 4000-level). Any mathematics course chosen from the list below is in addition to the two required mathematics courses. Civil Engineering Technology
Geographic Information Systems
Integrative Therapeutic Practices
Senior Experience: 3 credits
Summary of Requirements
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General Studies Requirements
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33 credits
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ESSJ Requirement
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0-3 credits
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Biology Major Required Courses
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19-20 credits
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Biology Major Electives
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26-27 credits
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Required Chemistry Courses
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10 credits
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Required Mathematics Courses
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7-8 credits
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Required Non-Biology Science Courses
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9 credits
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Senior Experience
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3 credits
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Unrestricted Electives
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8-24 credits
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Total for the Biology Major, B.S.
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120 credits
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Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
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